EURO REACTION – CALL TO PUBLISH BACKGROUND STUDIES

1.20.21pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 15th May 2003

Chris Huhne MEP

Although the 'not yet' decision has been widely trailed, the key issue will be whether the government puts forward a plan for dealing with the obstacles that it says remain, said Chris Huhne MEP.

"The overwhelming view of impartial economists like the National Institute of Economic and Social Research is that the tests have been met. I would be more confident in the quality of the Treasury's judgement if they were now to publish the 2000 pages and 18 background studies which it says supports its judgement. "

"There is no reason not to publish these analyses since they are not policy advice. Does the Treasury have something to hide?" "

"ENDS "

"Notes to editors: Chris Huhne MEP is deputy leader of the UK Lib Dems in the European Parliament and economics spokesman for the European Liberal Democrat group.